Tag: fan into flame
Fanning the Flame!
Scripture reading for October 2: 2 Timothy 1
“I thank God Whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share in suffering for the Gospel by the power of God, Who called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” 2 Timothy 1:3-9
Paul was writing for the last time to Timothy, his ‘beloved’ son in the faith and now the pastor at Ephesus. Paul would soon become a martyr and wanted to give a final word of encouragement. He reminded Timothy of his own prayers for him and the memories of his family and their legacy of faith. He encouraged Timothy to fan into flames the gift of God, (The Holy Spirit), which had filled Timothy as Paul laid on his hands at ordination. The Holy Spirit would bring boldness and power to love each person and to wait on the Lord and pray for direction and ministry results. (Acts 2:3-4)
Timothy had evidently battled with fear of man and sometimes lacked confidence to speak out in sharing the Gospel. Paul admonished Timothy to boldly share his own testimony of Jesus, regardless of the consequences. Paul shared that the God Who had called both of them would fulfill His purposes and show grace. Their calling was an ancient calling, known and proclaimed before the ages began. God would be faithful as they stood firm in faith. A faithful congregation in heaven would welcome them home one day!
How does Paul’s final instructions impact your world view of our life purposes? What steps might you take to fan into flame the Holy Spirit in your daily walk? Are you living in fear of suffering for sharing your faith?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit to live inside of me and leading me in a life of service, good works, and sharing the Gospel. As I pray and read Your Word, ignite a flame of love for others, holy boldness, and powerful witness that all might be saved and receive this Gift! Amen!
Don’t let the fire go out!
Scripture reading for October 2nd: 2nd Timothy 1
Several years after his first letter, Paul was in jail and very probably facing execution for his faith. He wrote a final letter to his son in the faith, Timothy, to encourage him. These ‘last words’ should encourage us as we face increasing persecution and opposition in our world today.
“I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother, Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.” (2nd Timothy 1:3-7)
Paul spent much of his last days in prison for his faith. He used this time to pray and to write. His heart was filled with thanksgiving and longing to see Timothy again. Paul had known Timothy’s family and the faith that they shared and encouraged Timothy to keep fanning the flame of faith through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
It is the Holy Spirit that empowers us to witness and preach the Gospel with authority and to love those Christ puts in our lives. It is only through the guidance of the Spirit that we can discipline ourselves to live the holy life that God calls us to and to pass our faith to the next generation. Let’s fan the flame in our hearts today! The fire of God’s Holy Spirit yearns to reach the lost!